According to studies, women in labor have five basic needs: physical care and comfort; pain relief; the constant presence of a supportive person; unconditional acceptance and reassurance; and knowledge of what is happening.
The support that a birth partner can offer has numerous positive effects. It has been shown to: decrease the need for medication and intervention; shorten labor; decrease the risk of cesarean birth; and improve outcomes for newborns.
Some techniques will require a labor partner to perform, or will be easier with a labor partner. You may find it helpful to practice these techniques with the people you anticipate providing physical support during labor.
About video: How to know when you're in active labor! Lara Catone and Joanne Cohen describe the physical and emotional changes that happen during active labor. More info: www.illuminatedbirth.com
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